Coutinho starts for Barça against Atletico Madrid
Valverde leaves Paulinho and Dembele on the bench
Ernesto Valverde has been brave with his lineup as Philippe Coutinho starts for Barcelona against Atletico Madrid as La Liga’s top two meet at Camp Nou on Sunday.
The Barça coach has left Paulinho, Ousmane Dembele and Andre Gomes on the bench in favour of the former Liverpool playmaker.
Elsewhere things are as expected, with Andres Iniesta, Sergio Busquets and Ivan Rakitic starting in midfield alongside Coutinho.
Atletico's side is also as expected, with Diego Costa and Antoine Griezmann spearheading an attack which has scored nine goals in its last two games.
Barça side: Ter Stegen, Sergi Roberto, Pique, Umtiti, Alba, Busquets, Rakitic, Iniesta, Coutinho, Messi, Suarez.
Atletico side: Oblak, Vrsalkjo, Godin, Gimenez, Luis, Thomas, Koke, Saul, Gabi, Costa, Griezmann.
